Charles f



(No Model.)

C. F. SWETT; ASAMJLE PoR VELQGIPEDBS.

Patented May?, 1889.

Plas N. PETERSA Phololnhnmpher, wnmingmn, D, Cl

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

CHARLES F. SWETT, OF AUBURN, MAINE, ASSIGNOR OF TWO-THIRDS TO CHARLES E. MORSE AND CHARLES E. K ERSHAW, JR., BOTH OF SAME PLACE.

SADDLE FOR VELOCIPEDES.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent N o. 403,078, dated May '7, 1889.

Application filed September 29, 1888. Serial No. 286,801. (No model.)

To all whom it 71mg/ concern..-

Be it known that I, CHARLES F. SWETT, a citizen of the United States, residing at Auburn, in the county of Androscoggin and State of Maine, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Saddles for Velocipedes; and I do hereby declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the in vention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same.

My invention relates to saddles such as are used on bicycles, tricycles,velocipedes, and the like. Hitherto these saddles have been mostly made of leather, and they have been supported by springs of various sorts. The use of velocipedes on rough roads and pavements necessitates a saddle which shall have a maximum of elasticity, and which shall prevent, as far as possible, the chaiing of the inside of the leg, which is common in riding-long distances. I accomplish this by means of a saddle made of an inflatable rubber bag, preferably covered with leather or other strong material, and having a longitudinal aperture along its center, by means of which it is thoroughly ventilated, and being suspended from the frame of the velocipede by two rear straps and a single forward strap attached to the leather covering.

I illustrate my invention by means of the s accompanying drawings, in which-` Figure l is a perspective view. Fig. 2 is a plan view with part of the covering cut away, and Fig. 3 is a section on the line :c a' of Fig. 2.

In making my saddle I form an inflatable bag, A, preferably of rubber, of a general triangular or saddle shape. The bag has a valve, a, of any well-known kind for inliating. This valve I prefer to locate in front, or at the small end. The bag A is so formed that there is a central longitudinal opening, D, when it is inflated. The bag A is covered with aleather case or covering, B, constructed of smooth leather. The saddle is suspended from the frame of the machine by means of stout leather straps C C, two at the rear or broad end of the saddle and one at the front. These straps are secured to the under side of the saddle and are provided with buckles for the purpose of adjustment. Holes b are made in the covering above and below the aperture D to admit air to and from said aperture. The covering, when used with a bag having a ventilating-aperture, besides 'saving wear and strain on the rubber, forms a continuous seat or bearing over this opening.

The many advantages of my saddle are evident from its construction. It is very elastic and readily conforms to all the motionsof the body, thus avoiding chafing and friction. It is cooling by reason of the confined body of air within the saddle and the means of ventilating pointed out. By its use long distances can be ridden without the strain on the back and loins that is frequently caused by such riding. y

I am aware that inflated saddles have been used in velocipedes; but, so far as I am aware, they have not been applied in the manner herein shown. The mode of suspending the saddle which I use gives sufficient play, while yet retaining its position rigidly enough to secure a firm and steady seat.

I claim- The herein-described saddle for velocipedes,-

consisting of a pointed or saddle-shaped inilatable bag, a leather covering for the same, and suspending-straps secured to the said covering, one at the forward or small end of the saddle and two at the rear or broad end, substantially as shown.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

CHARLES F. SWETT. Witnesses:

CHAs. E. KERsHAw, Jr., L. LINN SMALL. 

